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Thursday, September 6, 2018

Jaguar Will Officially Offer an EV Conversion for Its E-Type Sports Coupe

Jaguar will soon offer a full electric conversion for its beautiful and iconic E-Type sports coupe. Done by Jaguar Classic, each of these “E-Type Zero” will be converted at the Classic Works facility in Coventry, UK.
Combining Jaguar’s restoration expertise with cutting-edge EV technology from its recently launched I-Pace zero emissions SUV, the E-Type Zero will offer quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-Type. The carmaker has yet to reveal final specifications, but they are targeting a range in excess of 273 kilometers on a single charge. After that, it’s 40-kWh battery will require 6 to 7 hours for a full charge.

Jaguar Classic’s attention to detail goes further to replicate the conventional E-Type’s weight distribution. To this end, the E-Type Zero’s lithium-ion battery pack will have similar dimensions and weight to the standard E-Type’s 6-cylinder XK engine.

Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car’s structure, including suspension and brakes, has not changed, simplifying the conversion and keeping the driving experience in line with the original vehicle. It should drive, handle, ride, and brake like an original E-Type.

Apart from the EV conversion, the E-Type Zero will offer energy-efficient LED headlights, a modified instrument cluster, and fascia showcasing the latest touchscreen infotainment system.

Now, if you think Jaguar’s move to offer an E-Type with an electric drivetrain is blasphemous, don’t worry. Owners who don’t like it can opt to swap back to the conventional drivetrain since the conversion is fully reversible.

Deliveries of the first electric E-type vehicles are expected around mid-2020.